Old Firm joins McConnell's war on sectarianism

New laws to ban the sale of sectarian flags, scarves and banners outside the grounds of Celtic and Rangers were given the backing of the First Minister, Jack McConnell, yesterday.

He spoke out after meeting Old Firm bosses to discuss ways of tackling religious bigotry. Celtic's chief executive Ian McLeod and the Rangers chairman John McLelland had talks with the First Minister at his official residence, Bute House in Edinburgh.

Mr McConnell said later that he was "impressed" by the moves both clubs were making. Government now had to take a lead by making sure inflammatory items promoting paramilitary groups, such as the IRA, could not be sold by street traders.

The First Minister also said communication between the justice system and the Old Firm had to be improved so that those arrested for sectarian behaviour could be banned from the grounds more quickly.

Mr McConnell said the Executive and the Old Firm would take part in "joint activities" aimed at stamping out sectarianism in Scotland.

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"Initially that will be in the field of education, where the two clubs, with government, will take a lead and will try to ensure that the next generation of young Scots are tolerant, respect traditions and ensure that we make sectarianism in Scotland a thing of the past."

Ian McLeod, who recently sent a letter to 53,000 Celtic season ticket holders urging them not to sing IRA songs, said he was pleased that such a high profile was being given to combating sectarianism.

He said: "It is an issue that needs to be tackled head-on in Scotland."

John McLelland said Rangers were "heavily and actively involved" in fighting sectarianism among supporters. He said nearly 1,000 people had been banned from Ibrox or warned that they could be banned unless their behaviour improves.

The Lib Dem MSP Donald Gorrie, who introduced his own anti-sectarianism Bill, welcomed yesterday's meeting but warned that it must be followed by firm action.

Mr McConnell and his deputy Jim Wallace indicated last week that they would be bringing forward legislation in the forthcoming Criminal Justice (Scotland) Bill to crack down on sectarian behaviour.